Week 6 - Barbara Kruger

Week 6 last blog for semester 2-Barbara Kruger

Research Kruger's work to find an example from the 1970s or 1980s to compare with a more recent work. How has Kruger's work changed with the developments in contemporary visual arts? Describe a recent work that moves away from the 'poster' type work of her early career.

Untitled (We Decorate Your Life) - Barbara Kruger, 1970 -?


'Between being Born and Dying' Barbara Kruger, 2010 (Lever House)


** The two above works captured my interest as I love political work inclusive of text! Although the more recent installation, 'Between being Born and Dying', is still very similar to the 'Untitled' work, the fact that it is an installation is a development. Its attitude and boldness not a direct comparison, but a 'reminder' of what Kruger is capable of, what is on her mind and what is going on in the world today. Her political stances portrayed through the text in her earlier works can now be 'experienced' as seen in this spectacular 2010 exhibition.

Find 2-3 works by Kruger to add to your blog.

'Untitled' (It)


GAP Artist Edition Fashion - Barbara Kruger


How does the audience experience a more spatial, installation art work compared with a poster?
**An installation, in general is alot more confronting. It is lively and 'actual' and can provide much more than what a poster can. An installation is an exhibition in itself, yet is counted as one work. An audience would find all of these factors plausible, especially in any of Kruger's installations as her messages are more bold and 'in your face'.


What elements does Kruger use in her work to create a strong impact?
** Kruger uses text and the simplistic effect of three key colours (red, black and white) to effectively communicate the key concept within the work.


Comment on the development of her work over the last 30 years.
** In all honesty, development in the artists work over the last 30 years isn't all that obvious? Kruger continuously uses big, bold statements, the trio of colours and evocative 'pop art' images to evidently show her emotions. Although, Kruger is one of my favourite artists of all time, I feel that the only thing separating her older work from the more recent works is the fact that she has moved on from posters to not only installations but fashion also.

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SOURCES:

http://www.barbarakruger.com/
http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/1aa/1aa667.htm
http://www.dexigner.com/design_news/gap-introduces-artist-editions-t-shirts.html
http://slamxhype.com/art-design/barbara-kruger-between-being-born-and-dying-exhibition/

Week 5 - Kehinde Wiley

Week 5 - Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley is a Visual Artist based in New York and native to Los Angeles. Infamous for his modernistic-styled paintings of African-American men. Initially, Wileys paintings were based on photographs of young men from Harlem, yet more recently, his male models found in urban landscapes of the world. Kehinde has also worked on commercial projects such as Puma Africa and VH1 Hip-Hop Honours.

Kehinde Wiley: Notorious B.I.G., 2005


How do we make sense of his Kehinde's work? Identify intertextuality in Kehinde's work?

** In throughout Wiley's work, its is clear that his expressive style raises issues surrounding racism and such, within the world. Kehinde's work pays homage particularly to the African-American community, portraying the urban 'negro man' in unfamiliar situations for the urban 'negro man'. Due to the factors of racism and stereotyping, the African-American male community in particular "is" under a shadow of which is still present in today's society. The artist implies the ideas of equality and unity in his pieces, as well as being recognized for 'refining and re-writing' artist history, descending from such artists as Reynolds, Gainsborough, Titan and Ingres. These examples can be seen in his collection "The World Stage" which is evocative of the 'elaborate life' and royalty.

Kehinde Wiley, Book Cover


Kehinde's work relates to this weeks Post Modern theme "PLURALISM" re-read page 50 and discuss how the work relates to this theme?

**As explained above, Kehinde gives recognition to the African-American male by portraying such, in situations common of the 'upper class, western white male' of the world. His portraits evoke equality and unity. Also, his gay sexuality adds to this issue and how the world perceives his personality. Living in and being aware of such discrimination, his art further proves his beliefs in being against homophobia.

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SOURCES:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7B9YgbWaYrA6NwhluJezq1vognYLs-Urv3EnjcbJYn-HkqAziMH1FZQan8Ab7df3-LuJkg2sce9F-j7MlI5pXALmvIEk2JuCKDeAJHq_QWVVdsbDDjOcC2TUozMugsrh_5MNNjoc9Y38/s1600-h/kehinde+wiley.biggie.jpg
http://www.google.co.nz/images?hl=en&q=kehinde%20wiley&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1600&bih=740
http://www.kehindewiley.com/
http://www.artnet.com/awc/kehinde-wiley.html
http://www.interviewmagazine.com/art/kehinde-wiley/